as in excellent
of the very best kind
a first-string rendition of the musical piece
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Recent Examples of first-string
With Hollins and Boutte absent and Brown still on the Eagles, Doubs, Williams, Chism and Douglas received most of the first-string work at wide receiver.
—
Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 27 May 2026
After years of learning the techniques of a long snapper, Olson earned a first-string spot at the position for Orange Lutheran and joined the Trojans in 2015 as a walk-on player.
—Los Angeles Times, 24 Apr. 2026
Sarkisian said the former four-star recruit from the suburbs of Mobile, Ala., is working with the first-string offense in practice and appears to be the front-runner for Manning’s top backup spot ahead of Morris, a collegiate journeyman who spent last season at Coastal Carolina.
—Thomas Jones, Austin American Statesman, 9 Mar. 2026
While the Steelers gave Warren a modest contract extension just before the start of the season, there really is no definitive first-string running back, which is just the way offensive coordinator Arthur Smith likes it.
—CBS News, 27 Dec. 2025
Tustin’s first-string defense was just as overwhelming, holding the Vanguards to negative-16 yards in the first half while the offense built a 48-0 lead.
—Dan Arritt, Oc Register, 18 Oct. 2025
Most importantly, many defensive special-teams rushers are first-string players, whereas the blockers tend to be second- and third-string players.
—J.j. Bailey, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025
On a rest day for Bo Nix and much of the Broncos’ first-string crew, backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham, and a few key depth pieces, led the Broncos to a 27-7 beatdown of the Cardinals at Empower Field on Saturday night.
—Luca Evans, Denver Post, 17 Aug. 2025
That is an obvious but nevertheless tempting play with Burrow and the first-string offense in action.
—Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Aug. 2025
Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 27 May 2026
After years of learning the techniques of a long snapper, Olson earned a first-string spot at the position for Orange Lutheran and joined the Trojans in 2015 as a walk-on player.
—Los Angeles Times, 24 Apr. 2026
Sarkisian said the former four-star recruit from the suburbs of Mobile, Ala., is working with the first-string offense in practice and appears to be the front-runner for Manning’s top backup spot ahead of Morris, a collegiate journeyman who spent last season at Coastal Carolina.
—Thomas Jones, Austin American Statesman, 9 Mar. 2026
While the Steelers gave Warren a modest contract extension just before the start of the season, there really is no definitive first-string running back, which is just the way offensive coordinator Arthur Smith likes it.
—CBS News, 27 Dec. 2025
Tustin’s first-string defense was just as overwhelming, holding the Vanguards to negative-16 yards in the first half while the offense built a 48-0 lead.
—Dan Arritt, Oc Register, 18 Oct. 2025
Most importantly, many defensive special-teams rushers are first-string players, whereas the blockers tend to be second- and third-string players.
—J.j. Bailey, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025
On a rest day for Bo Nix and much of the Broncos’ first-string crew, backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham, and a few key depth pieces, led the Broncos to a 27-7 beatdown of the Cardinals at Empower Field on Saturday night.
—Luca Evans, Denver Post, 17 Aug. 2025
That is an obvious but nevertheless tempting play with Burrow and the first-string offense in action.
—Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for first-string
Adjective
-
Marquinhos — Brazil/PSG The grizzled leader of PSG’s excellent defence occupies a similar role for Brazil, and his partnership with Gabriel will be the foundation for any deep World Cup run.—
Liam Twomey,
New York Times,
11 June 2026
-
Watts got another excellent chance in the waning seconds, but the Patriots defense forced the shot to go wide.—
Jack Murray,
Boston Herald,
11 June 2026
Adjective
-
Lopes notably threw himself in front of a Mikel Oyarzabal volley with just moments to go, a prime example of the back-four’s commitment to defend their goal.—
Thom Harris,
New York Times,
16 June 2026
-
As the data center building boom and its growing demand for electricity roll along, utilities are jostling for prime position to benefit.—
Conor Harrison,
The Conversation,
16 June 2026
Adjective
-
The San Francisco 49ers, for whom Smith had a terrific rookie season, issued a statement announcing his passing on Saturday afternoon.—
Blair Kerkhoff,
Kansas City Star,
14 June 2026
-
The meals served on board were good (including some terrific local dishes).—
The Week UK,
TheWeek,
14 June 2026
Adjective
-
Over the years, Orphan Barrel has released some stellar whiskeys like Muckety-Muck, a quarter-century-old single grain scotch whisky, and Scarlet Shade, a 14-year-old rye whiskey.—
Jonah Flicker,
Robb Report,
12 June 2026
-
The town earned its reputation thanks to the Citrus Golf Trail, a collection of 10 stellar courses that each offer gorgeous views and challenging design.—
Tara Massouleh McCay,
Southern Living,
12 June 2026
Adjective
-
Midfielders Tyler Adams is a superb defensive midfielder.—
Michael Lewis,
Forbes.com,
11 June 2026
-
Fathers with impeccable taste are sure to resonate with the idea of a sumptuous brunch, a barbecue concert or a superb wine dinner.—
Laura Ness,
Mercury News,
9 June 2026
Adjective
-
The tornadoes that do form in the higher risk area could become intense — EF3 strength or greater — and might also travel long distances.—
Mary Gilbert,
CNN Money,
17 June 2026
-
Most hotels sit behind the main road, often thronged with tourists and traffic noise, but the Regent Shanghai on the Bund gives guests great views without the fuss.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
17 June 2026
Adjective
-
The campsite is a budget-friendly way to spend a few nights in the area, a wonderful addition given the more luxe vibe of the other spaces that makes this property feel like a real community.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
17 June 2026
-
But in general, working with Tim is just wonderful.—
Christian Zilko,
IndieWire,
16 June 2026
Adjective
-
This linen version has a lovely, floaty silhouette that prevents the fabric from clinging to the skin.—
Tanya Sharma,
PEOPLE,
17 June 2026
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But everything started with Maradona spinning away from two England players just inside the Argentina half with a lovely piece of skill.—
Stuart James,
New York Times,
16 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“First-string.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/first-string. Accessed 18 Jun. 2026.
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